In Men’s Cricket, India defeated hosts South Africa by eight wickets in the opening ODI of the three-match series in Johannesburg last night. India achieved the target of 117 runs in 16.4 overs, losing just two wickets. Opener Sai Sudharsan with 55 runs and Shreyas Iyer with 52 runs were the top scorers for India.
Earlier, opting to bat first, the hosts were bundled out for a paltry total of 116 in 27.3 overs. Arshdeep Singh was adjudged player of the match for his 5-wicket haul. Arshdeep became the first Indian pacer to take a five-wicket haul against South Africa in ODI cricket. He is also the fourth bowler to take a five-wicket haul against SA in ODIs for India, while Avesh Khan took four wickets.
KL Rahul is steering the men in blue for the series, in the absence of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.
The Second ODI of the three-match series will be played tomorrow at St George’s Park, Gqeberha.
